Cedars-Sinai has contributed more than $250,000 in emergency grants to local nonprofits and in-kind donations to assist in Southern California's wildfire response and recovery efforts
Newswise — LOS ANGELES (Jan. 21, 2025) -- As firefighting crews from around the world continue their round-the-clock effort to save lives, structures and land, Cedars-Sinai is focused on responding to the immediate needs of Los Angeles communities.
The medical center has issued more than $250,000 in to nonprofit organizations assisting residents, workers and business owners affected by the disaster, as well as supporting first responders on the front lines.
Nine organizations so far have received grants, with amounts ranging from $15,000 to $50,000, to help address the community’s relief and recovery efforts.
“Whether it’s direct aid or volunteer efforts, Cedars-Sinai will continue to leverage all of its resources to help rebuild and strengthen our community,” said Erin Jackson-Ward, DrPH, executive director of Grantmaking and Social Impact at Cedars-Sinai. “So many of our community members are facing tremendous loss and uncertainty, and we feel a deep responsibility to support our beloved city during this challenging time."
Among the causes receiving grants are the Los Angeles Fire Department Wildfire Emergency Fund, United Way of Greater Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund, the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.
The Jewish Federation Los Angeles, Food Access Los Angeles, Inclusive Action for the City, the Institute of Popular Education of Southern California Essential Workers Fund and the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Community Response Fund also received grants to help pay for immediate response needs. Funding to the YMCA, for example, will help provide free daycare for children of first responders, essential workers and displaced or evacuated families. Other grants are focused on providing mental health services to those impacted as well as direct assistance to low-income workers and those displaced by the fires.
Cedars-Sinai also is making in-kind donations, including its distribution of more than 13,000 N95 masks and the issuance of personal protective equipment, such as goggles, respirators and coveralls. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai is focused on offering resources and support to its employees across the health system through the .
“We recognize that the road to recovery will be long, but Cedars-Sinai is committed to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Los Angeles,” said Arthur J. Ochoa, JD, senior vice president of Advancement and chief advancement officer for Cedars-Sinai. “As Angelenos grapple with the aftermath of these devastating wildfires, we want the message from our institution to be clear: we are in this together, and we will emerge from this crisis stronger than before.”
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